Hi I'm Holly

AN ECO PAINTER

I’m an abstract expressionist eco-painter and educator from Aotearoa, exploring the energy, emotions, and sensations of the mind and body through the lens of nature. Using sustainably sourced, non-toxic, archival-quality earth pigments, I create dreamlike mindscapes in nature’s hues—celebrating intuition and process, inviting you to transcend, heal, and reconnect.

MY ROOTS

My childhood was one of freedom and exploration on a rural farm near Matakana, where I spent hours outdoors—playing games of “stuck in the mud” with my sister (nothing quite like seeing a sibling go down in it) and wandering vast landscapes. I developed a deep and intimate connection with the earth—this tactile bond with the land has become a recurring theme in my work.

I’m also fascinated by psychology and the inner workings of the mind. Through velvet-like textures and sensorial mindscapes, I explore the relationship between emotion and the natural world, revealing their connection to the transient rhythms of nature and the self.

I believe that when we surrender to an intuitive process with compassion and trust, we cultivate emotional elasticity—where softness becomes strength, resilience emerges, and we move through challenges with greater ease. This healing ripples outward, touching not just ourselves but our families and communities.

MY PRACTICE

With over three decades in design—including eight formative years in Florence, Italy—I’ve worked across graphic and textile design, collaborating with brands like Citta Design. That experience now weaves into my painting practice, where I explore the tension of duality through organic forms.

As an educator, I guide artists to reconnect with the hands-on process of making with earth pigments. My workshops encourage curiosity, sustainability, and an intuitive approach—refining traditional techniques for a more ethical, non-toxic future.

At the heart of it all, my work is about creating a space where art, nature, and intuition converge—offering a creative experience that is both deeply personal and universally felt.

Holly x

ART OF US

I am part of a vibrant group of New Zealand-based artists called Art of Us, where we grow both individually and together. We believe in supporting and championing one another, fostering an environment where our diverse artistic practices can thrive.

Our group, comprised of painters and a fibre artist—including Vanessa Narbey, Sará Langdon, Sarah Ritchie, Katie Robinson, and myself—is based in Auckland and Otago. Together, we enjoy sharing our knowledge and experiences as we explore our creative paths.

Read more about our community here.

EXHIBITIONS, AWARDS, STUDY, COLLECTIVES & COMMUNITY

  • Nathan Homestead – Suture Collective 2026 Jan - March
  • Runner Up - Kumau Arts Awards 2025
  • Vic Rd Depot Gallery – ‘Liminal’ Suture Collective group show 2025
  • May 2025 - Eco Paint & Pastel workshop at Uxbridge
  • NorthArt Gallery – ‘In Between’ Suture Collective group show 2025
  • Finalist in the Kumeu Art Awards 2024
  • Finalist in the Emerging Artist Award At the Upstairs Gallery 2024
  • September - November 2024 – Art Salon exhibition
  • August 2024 – Suture Drink & Draw nights at Coco’s Cantina fund raiser for the AK City Mission.
  • August 2024 – Make & Paint with Natural Pigments workshops at Corbans Art Estate
  • July 2024 – Exhibitor at the Auckland Art Show
  • February 2024 – Art of Us group formed
  • December 2023 – Suture Collective formed
  • November 2023 – Green Reflective, Toipoto Community Group Art Show
  • October 2023 – Toipoto Mentoring program & Alumni